Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH) is the state that develops from the abnormal arrangement of cells in the breast. Further division of such accumulated abnormal cells can cause noninvasive breast cancer (scientifically termed as carcinoma in situ) or invasive breast cancer. If you are diagnosed with Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia, then you are not essentially a cancer patient, but surely you hold an increased risk of developing breast cancer thereafter in coming years.

Once you find the symptoms developing, consult the doctor immediately and the doctor will ask you to track your breast formation frequently and thereby try to check the risk of developing breast cancer by medications and the required screening. Here are some important information to know about ADH –

facts about atypical ductal hyperplasia

What are the Symptoms of Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia?

There are no signs as such which helps in detecting Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia apart from any changes that may bother you in the normal life. During a breast biopsy, an abnormal finding on mammogram can indicate Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia. It is even possible that if you undergo a biopsy for any other medical condition, and Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia will be detected then.

How is Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia Caused?

Generally in the breast area of women, each duct edges with an even layer of cells. When many uneven layers start to form instead of the even layers, the area gets prone to Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia condition. This particular stage is precancerous and immediate tests and medications are needed by trained doctors to diminish the risk of developing a breast cancer.

Steps for Diagnosis of Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia

  • Primarily, a core breast biopsy examination ascertains the presence of Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia cells in the breast tissue. Breast biopsy require local or general anesthesia. You cannot determine the existence of Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia cells from the reviews of a mammogram, breast image study or even a clinical exam.
  • Once Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia cells are found to exist, from the core breast biopsy test, an excisional open breast biopsy needs to be done immediately for investigating more tissues. Research says, almost 25 per cent cases are diagnosed when Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia cells are found in core biopsy, thus breast cancer can be determined at its premature stage.

What Points are to be kept in mind if you are Diagnosed with Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia:

  • Firstly, avoid being anxious and panicked. You need to find out the best breast screening center where trained doctors can keep a close watch on your breast health and its progress by thorough screening and necessary medication.
  • Secondly, women should not undergo a voluntary mastectomy after been diagnosed of Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia. Removal of breast is not the remedy to decrease the risk of the forthcoming breast cancer.
  • Thirdly, patients of Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia are made to understand the conditions of ADH and the risks involved in developing a breast cancer by their trained doctors and nurses. They help their patients to understand the preventive measures of breast cancer that includes changes in life styles, medications and even surgery.

Therefore, if you have the condition called Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia, you need to deeply understand your own risk of breast cancer, follow the doctor’s appointments, maintain a healthy life recommended by doctors and try talking to women facing similar situation for a boost.